Five weeks after avoiding the 2011 league MVP, there's a chance they'll also avoid the 2012 Most Valuable Player on Sunday in Minnesota. An ESPN.com report suggests that Adrian Peterson won't be able to suit up against the Eagles due to a sprained foot.

Nothing was official as of noon ET on Friday, but even if Peterson does find a way to play Sunday it's safe to assume he'll be extremely limited.

Of course, the last thing the Eagles want to do at this point is assume anything. They control their own destiny in a big way now, and they might even have a chance to put the NFC East crown to bed before that season finale in Dallas.

But they can't slip up in Minnesota. Here's our final preview of the matchup from Philadelphia's standpoint, along with a prediction.

What Philly must do to win, offensive edition

Take some shots early against a weak pass defense and a so-so pass rush in order to build a lead, forcing Minnesota's bad quarterbacks to put the ball in the air. The Vikings are giving up more passing yards per game than all but two other teams and they've allowed more first-half points than all but three others.

What Philly must do to win, defensive edition

If Peterson plays, don't let him hijack the game. Force Matt Cassel to beat you. That generally applies either way, but it'll be a lot harder if they're defending AP.

LeSean McCoy: And then, ideally, they'll give it to him throughout the second half in order to put the game away.

Lane Johnson: Because Brian Robison might now be the best pass-rusher on this Minnesota defense and he'll face Johnson all day.

DeMeco Ryans: This is especially the case if Peterson is active.

NFL's leading rushers

Player

Team

Yards

Note

1. LeSean McCoy

Eagles

1305

Coming off a career-high 217 yards.

2. Adrian Peterson

Vikings

1221

Might not play due to foot injury.

Pro Football Reference

Injury analysis, Eagles edition

Rookie safety Earl Wolff (knee) has been practicing on a limited basis. He hasn't played since Week 10, but they could really use him back in the starting lineup. Other than that, the Eagles are extremely healthy.

Injury analysis, Vikings edition

We've talked about Peterson. But what's interesting is his backup, Toby Gerhart, has been out of practice with a hamstring injury. They might have to use some dude named Matt Asiata all afternoon.

The stars are aligning for the Eagles, who draw the Vikings in what is likely to be their first game without Peterson since 2011. That should make things a hell of a lot easier on Philly's red-hot defense. This team is mentally tough, so I don't think they're slipping up here.